Division Lead Nurse (RN)

Division Lead Nurse (RN)

Sussex County Public Schools

Reports to: Director of Student Services

The Division Nurse provides district-wide leadership, coordination, and oversight for school health services. This role ensures that all student health needs are met in compliance with Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) regulations and Virginia Board of Nursing standards. The Division Nurse serves as the primary liaison for health-related matters, supervises nursing staff, and assists with managing the district’s
Medicaid Reimbursement Program, ensuring high-quality documentation and compliance with the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Clinical Leadership & Oversight

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate school nurses (RNs and LPNs) and clinic assistants across the district.
• Develop and implement standardized district-wide health policies, procedures, and emergency protocols.
• Coordinate mandated health screenings (vision, hearing, scoliosis) and manage follow-up referrals.
• Provide clinical consultation for medically fragile students and oversee complex nursing procedures (e.g., tube feedings, catheterizations, tracheotomy care).
• Monitor and compile student clinic visits and data.
• Assists Director of Student Services with maintaining clinic and state reports.
• Complies with laws, regulations, protocols, and School Board policies/procedures as they apply to school health services.

2. Medicaid Billing & Plan of Care (POC) Management

• Program Coordination: Assists with the district’s Medicaid and Schools Program, ensuring all eligible nursing services are documented and billed accurately.
• Plan of Care Development: Oversee the creation, implementation, and annual renewal of Nursing Plans of Care (POC) for Medicaid-eligible students.
• Quality Assurance: Audit nursing documentation (daily logs, treatment notes) to ensure it meets DMAS requirements, including ICD-10 coding, specific medical goals, and physician-ordered treatments.
• Compliance: Ensure all POCs are signed and dated by a Registered Nurse before the start of services and are updated immediately upon changes to medical orders.
• Random Moment Time Study (RMTS): Coordinate and monitor staff participation in the RMTS process to maximize district reimbursement.

3. Student Health & Care Coordination

• Assists the Director of Student Services with developing division-wide standardized procedures for the health care of all students
• Serve as the primary liaison between the school district, families, community healthcare providers, and the Sussex County Health Department.
• Manage the tracking and reporting of student immunizations and communicable disease outbreaks.

4. Training & Professional Development

• Design and facilitate professional development for nursing staff to include medication administration.
• Develops and conducts in-service training for Health Services staff regarding current nursing techniques and procedures for all students. 
• Train school staff on the implementation of Individualized Healthcare Plans (IHPs) for students with chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, seizures, severe allergies).

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred/Completion of Registered Nurse Nursing Program.
• Licensure: Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license from the Virginia Board of Nursing.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of clinical nursing experience; 2 years in school nursing or pediatric health preferred. Previous supervisory or lead experience is highly desirable.
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with Medicaid billing, VA IEP, and DMAS regulations is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep understanding of the Virginia Nurse Practice Act and VDOE health guidelines.
• Expertise in developing measurable clinical goals and objectives for
  Plans of Care.
• Exceptional communication skills for interacting with diverse families, medical professionals, and school administrators.
• Ability to remain calm and lead effectively during medical emergencies or public health crises.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. (e.g., assisting students with mobility or equipment).
• Frequent travel between school sites within Sussex County.
• Ability to perform CPR and other emergency life-saving measures.

Other Duties

• Maintains professional competence and keeps abreast of new developments in the health field.
• Performs any other related duties as assigned by the Director of Student Services/Division Superintendent.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

The Sussex County School Board is an equal opportunity employer; as such, it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religion, political affiliation, handicapping condition, or sex in its educational programs or employment.  No person shall be denied employment solely because of any impairment which is unrelated to the ability to engage in activities involved in the position or program to which application has been made.